It was a perfect night for an outdoor party.
With the temperature peaking at a modern-day record of 31 degrees at 5 o'clock, the first people began to show up. The food trucks from Mole Guacamole, Gotta Have that Lemonade and No Ordinary Dog were ready and when the first performer of the night took to the flat deck trailer stage from Rona Portage, the gusty wind that had persisted for most of the day started to die down.
The celebration was in honour of 10 great years of Country 93 and to be expected, there were things like cupcakes and prizes, but in the end, it was all about the music.
Four award winning Manitoba musicians took to the stage to entertain the crowd and they didn't disappoint. Troy Flamand, Jason Kirkness, Quinton Blair and Nelson Little have a boat load of Manitoba Country Music awards between them and Little leads the way this year with 7 nominations. The Portage musician wrapped up the night performing his hit song "Just Make It Happen" with fellow Portager Flamand. It's a song Little says changed his life.
"Several years ago things weren't going so well. I was ready to pack it in, the music business is tough. My friend Dave Rodgers, who co-wrote the song wouldn't let me. He said you have to keep going. Move forward. Make a change. We took a few drives in the country and it all led to this. So many people have been inspired by the song."
Flamand, who grew up in St. Ambroise, is one of the top guitar players in Manitoba right now. He is a part of the Kendra Kay Band, toured with Blair all summer and is often called when top bands need a player for a show. But the talented musician also does some of his own song writing and he performed some of those songs last night.
"I'm actually shaking in my boots playing my own songs for you" he commented while on stage. "The station has supported me from when I was a teenager just learning right through to today. I'm glad to be here for this event."
Kirkness and Blair also commented on what a grind the business can be and how much they appreciate any radio play and promotion they can get. Kirkness, who lives in Morris, has been a part of the Canadian Country music scene for well over ten years and even performed one of his early songs "Leavin'" which one fan said always brings her to tears.
"There has been something every week. I've been all over the place talking to everyone who wants to listen. At times you think of hanging up the skates but music has taken me all over the world."
Debbie Cebry was one of the first people to show up and she says the station is a part of her daily routine.
"I think it is a great station, I love it. The music, the information about the area."
Jim Duggan echoed those sentiments.
"There's great music and I can keep up on the local news. Every day."
For Nanci Dagg, who is a big fan of all the performers, it's about the attention to our Manitoba performers that she likes.
"On other stations, you only hear the biggest mainstream names. We have so much talent in Manitoba and at least you take the time to play some of it. These artists are so good. I wouldn't have missed it and drove out for the event."
Barb Knott also took in the show but with a chuckle says her family is divided.
"It's always on in the car as my husband always listens to it. But when I'm in there alone I turn on Mix 96."
Both Country 93 and Mix 96 along with CFRY will team up for the next community event which is the tenth anniversary of Brake for Breakfast on October 10th, raising cash and cereal for the Portage School Division's food programs.
Listen to the full show here: